#MyfriendAlexa- Complications of Diabetes

September 20, 2018

It is week 3 and post 6 of #MyFriendAlexa.

And in this post, I am talking about “Diabetic complications”

diabetes complications

Diabetes is a long-term, the chronic disorder that adversely affects other parts of the body. Unfortunately, it could lead to some dreading, life threating diabetic complications. According to WHO, diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack and lower limb amputation.

WHO projects that diabetes will be the 7 Th leading cause of death is the year 2030.

Here are few key points about the diabetic complication.

The chances of developing diabetic complications higher in chronic and poorly managed diabetic patients. If the blood sugar level remains high for long years and left untreated (or not managed properly) it affects other parts of the body negatively.

The good news is that diabetic complications can be avoided completely. If diabetic patients follow all treatment and management guidelines of diabetic management, he can live a completely healthy life. It is all about paying proper attention to your diet, exercise, regular medication and check-ups.

Here is the list of some common diabetic complications.

Cardiovascular disease

People with diabetes have an increased chance of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. According to Center for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , adults with diabetes are 2-3 times more likely get affected (and died of) due to heart disease, compare to people without diabetes. Raised blood glucose level adversely affected the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system. And lead to this serious life-threatening complications.

Eye problems

Raised blood glucose level adversely affects the thin capillaries of the retina. And may cause various eye problems. Such as

Cataract

Glaucoma

Poor vision

Kidney diseases

This is another serious complication of diabetes. About 1 out of 4 adults with diabetes have kidney diseases.

Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common diabetic complications. It affects the larger number of diabetic people. According to Mayoclinic.org, high blood glucose level can injure the nerves throughout the body. And produces different symptoms like tingling sensation, numbness or nerve pain.

There are 4 types of neuropathy are most common:

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy refers to a distant part of the nerves of the body. It affects mainly foot, legs, hands, arms and peripheral parts.

Autonomic neuropathy

Autonomic neuropathy involves the internal organs of the body. And causes different symptoms.

Diabetic Amytrophy

It affects thighs, buttocks and legs. It is more common in people with type 2 diabetes.

Mononeuropathy

It is more common in older diabetic people. It affects specific Neves of face, leg or middle part of the body.

Skin infections

Skin infections like fungal and bacterial are more common in diabetic patients.

Slow healing that may lead to gangrene (and amputation)

It is one of the common occurrences in diabetic patients. Diabetes slows down the healing process of any sour or injury. This slow healing may lead to other bacterial infections. And ultimately may cause gangrene of that part. Many diabetic people need amputation of that part to stop the spread of infections.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic Ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes where the body produces a high level of blood acids called Ketones. In this condition, lack of insulin causes breaks down of fats as a fuel. This process builds up the acids in the bloodstream called ketones. Constant build-up of these substances leads to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. It is more common in untreated or poorly managed cases of diabetes.

Diabetic coma

This is one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes. In this condition, diabetic people did not respond to any stimuli.

Conclusion

Though all these complications are scary and some are life threatening too. But it is not the end of the hope. As I had mentioned earlier, all these complications can be prevented. Diabetic people can live a normal and stress-free life if they manage their disease wisely and properly. It is all about managing your blood sugar level + proper screening (and check-up) of all other important organs of the body.

So, as a summary here is a few important points that can help a lot in avoiding diabetic complications.

Regular screening and check-up of other organs of the body, that includes

Eyes

Kidney

Skin

Feet

Gastrointestinal system etc.

I am hoping this series is helping in providing some insight into this dreading disease. And no doubt, “Being aware” is the key to lead a normal life with diabetes. It is the step that can avoid complications and increase life expectancy in diabetic people.

Diabetic Smacking is one of the challenging aspects of diabetes diet? What are healthy snack options for diabetic people? Will share this topic in next post, so do not forget to stay tuned!